Do you know the golden rule about daycare and sick children? Read on to find out what it is, and whether you should keep your sniffling little one at home.
Should we stay or should we go?
When your little one wakes up with a sore throat and runny nose, it can be a real dilemma, both professionally and personally. Is it just the early-morning sniffles and a late bedtime last night, or does your child really need to stay home and rest? The matter is easily decided: most daycares have a very clear sick children policy. If there is any chance that it’s a contagious virus or bacterial infection, you need to keep your child at home. In other words, it’s not only your own child’s welfare you need to consider, it’s the well-being of all the other children at the daycare too.
Ask the right questions
- Are these the symptoms of an illness that could be passed on to the other children?
- Will staying at home allow my child to recover faster?
- If I send my child to daycare today, what will the day be like?
- Will my child need any medication?
- Is there a caregiver who can give my child a bit of special attention?
- Will my child be able to sit out of certain activities if need be?
- What kind of day will the caregiver and the other children have if my child needs special care?
Beware of contagious diseases
If it’s the stomach flu, a bad cold, conjunctivitis or any of the other common childhood illnesses, the daycare’s sick children policy is most likely straight-forward: you should keep your child at home. The reason is that with some infectious illnesses, such as chicken pox and the common cold, the incubation period makes your child contagious even if his symptoms are mild. It’s best to consult a doctor who can determine if your little one is sufficiently healthy to attend daycare. In any case, you must advise the caregiver if you suspect your child was at the daycare while having a contagious illness.
Some tips
- In the presence of a low-grade fever but no other symptoms, assess the overall condition of your child. If he is energetic, then he should be able to go to daycare, as long as you explain the situation to the caregiver. However, if the fever is over 39°C on an oral thermometer, your child should stay at home.
- If a child vomits just once, it may be because of indigestion or a stressful situation. Try to identify the source, and assess your child to see if there are any other symptoms of illness.
- If your child’s stools are soft and frequent, ask the caregiver to keep an eye out and call you if they become liquid. If the stools are already liquid, your child is sick and should not go to daycare.
Follow your instincts
When the dreaded morning comes, remember that it’s crucial to limit the spread of infection. Decide what you think is best for you and your child; if you think you're going to feel guilty all day at work, stay home. Enjoy some special time together, cozied up under the blankets with a few good story books. Rest, love and affection are good medicine.
